MS in Physics

Master of Science in Physics The objective of our M.S. program
is to build a firm basis for subsequent Ph.D. study in physics or
in related fields, for positions in industry, and for teaching at
the community college level. We offer a broad-based academic
program with the opportunity for specialized theoretical or
experimental research. Students completing degrees have
successfully pursued all three of these career goals - with roughly
equal numbers going to doctoral programs and industry, and a
smaller number directly into teaching.

Areas of research in which our faculty are active include
physics pedagogy, condensed matter theory and experiment,
characterization of materials properties (amorphous
semiconductors), dipolar magnetism, Fullerene research, laser Raman
spectroscopy, radiation medical physics, classical and quantum
field theory, and gravitation. Faculty also study forces and
interaction of fundamental constituents of matter with experiments
using the world's most powerful particle accelerator at Fermi
National Laboratory. Astronomy research includes observations of
cataclysmic variables, black holes, and extrasolar planets. It is
done with the most powerful instruments available today, including
Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, other NASA
spacecraft, and the Keck I telescope, the largest on Earth, as well
as many other telescopes around the world.

Under the direction of the graduate adviser and the graduate
faculty, a coherent program, directed toward the student's goal in
graduate study and designed within the framework outlined in the
copy that follows, is prepared and submitted to the department.
There is a standard core of classical mechanics (PHYS 203),
classical electrodynamics (PHYS 220A, B) and quantum mechanics
(PHYS 222A, B) which is strongly recommended for students planning
to pursue further graduate study - and, at least in part, for all
students. Other courses, both from within and from outside the
department, can be used to complete the 30 unit master's program. A
culminating experience, consisting of either a thesis (PHYS 299) or
a project (PHYS 298) plus a competency examination, is
required.

Undergraduate education equivalent to a physics major at
California State University, Fresno is necessary for admission.
Note the other requirements under Graduate Program.